This week the Winter Olympics in Sochi kicks off. This year’s event has been fraught with controversy surrounding the anti-gay climate in Russia. So much has happened that’s been hard to keep track of so below is a timeline of events that all started with Russia passing an anti-gay propaganda law back in June, which banned, among other activities, public discussion of gay rights.

LGBT visibility during the first few days of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, included some high profile political “messages,” two gay inclusive television commercials, and several surprise choices by both Russian games organizers and openly gay athletes.

The following statement by Brian Boitano was released via Keith Sherman & Associates Public Relations:

I am currently skating in Europe but want to provide a statement regarding my appointment to the Olympic delegation. I have been fortunate to represent the United States of America in three different Olympics, and now I am honored to be part of the presidential delegation to the Olympics in Sochi. It has been my experience from competing around the world and in Russia that Olympic athletes can come together in friendship, peace and mutual respect regardless of their individual country's practices.It is my desire to be defined by my achievements and my contributions. While I am proud to play a public role in representing the American Olympic Delegation as a former Olympic athlete, I have always reserved my private life for my family and friends and will continue to do so. I am many things: a son, a brother, and uncle, a friend, an athlete, a cook, an author, and being gay is just one part of who I am. First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance. As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations.

(EDGE) Out U.S. athletes Adam Rippon and Gus Kenworthy may be dominating headlines in the states, but Canada's Eric Radford is also earning much-deserved buzz for becoming the first openly gay Olympic champion in the history of the Winter Games, Yahoo News reports.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Chris Pine says the U.S. should have done more in the run-up to the Sochi Olympics to protest Russia's anti-gay legislation, which he calls "clearly awful, archaic, hostile nonsense."

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A Dutch brass band that has for years amused crowds at Olympic speed skating ovals says it may play songs like the Village People's "Y.M.C.A." at the Sochi Winter Olympics as a signal of its support for gay rights.

Marcelo Crivella, bishop of Brazil’s Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, was elected Mayor of Rio de Janeiro this week with nearly 60 percent of the city’s vote. The right-wing politician also has an extensive record of anti-LGBT views, according to PinkNews.